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Arbol Chile Hot Sauce
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Arbol Chile Hot Sauce: Heat That Demands Attention

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup arbol chiles, stems removed
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water (more if you like it thinner)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional, to balance the heat)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime (optional for brightness)

Instructions

  • Toast the arbol peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, just until they smell amazing. Don’t burn them — bitter pepper smoke is not the vibe here.
  • Add the garlic and toast another minute or so, then transfer everything to a blender. If you’re garlic-averse, you can sauté it first, but where’s the fun in that?
  • Pour in vinegar, water, salt, and sugar or honey. Blend until smooth. If you like it chunkier, pulse a few times instead of blending to a puree.
  • Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, then pour in the pepper blend. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will marry like a couple at a kitchen dance party.
  • Cool slightly, then stir in lime juice if you’re using it. Bottle or refrigerate. The flavor will deepen after a day or two, but it’s tasty right away too.